Don't overreact to Turkey Point release

There's been a lot of discussion about the safety of Turkey Point nuclear energy facility recently. As a neighbor of Turkey Point, I believe we should all take an interest in the safety of nuclear energy facilities. However, as a former administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency, I know these discussions can be complex and sometimes based on misinformation.

The recent tritium release at Turkey Point is such an example. Tritium is a naturally occurring, mildly radioactive form of hydrogen that is commonly found in the water we drink. The EPA has clear standards for safe tritium levels in drinking water, and close monitoring around Turkey Point shows tritium in levels that do not pose a risk to the public or to aquatic life. In fact, levels in Biscayne Bay are only a fraction of the EPA's drinking water standard.

The independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission monitors performance at nuclear facilities each day and three inspectors have 24/7 access to the facilities and operating records at Turkey Point. In addition, the nuclear energy industry has a groundwater monitoring program that identifies and then takes steps required to protect the environment nears its reactors.

It's critical that those of us who rely on Turkey Point, which produces clean electricity for 900,000 homes, have the facts about this facility so we can make smart decisions about our energy future.